Member Reviews
Deirdre stepped out of the terminal at O’hare airport. . She didn’t like the cold but as she stepped to the curb she felt freedom. It had been months since she had left Chicago to return home to Ireland. Something about chicago always put Deirdre at ease. Then Deirdre’s cousin Maggie pulled up to her. Maggie wanted Deirdre to work at the bar with them on St. Patrick's Day. But working at O’Leary’s bar with them. Maggie reminded her it was only one day. What Deirdre found her passion to be was working in the bakery. Her entire life had been about her own family’s pub and that was the simple reason she wanted to leave home. Maggie knew how Deirdre really felt. Maggie was really happy with her boyfriend and it showed. Deirdre wondered is she looked the same way. She didn’t think so there was something off between rory - her boyfriend- and her. Deirdre and Rory had been friends since they were very young. But at Christmas instead of an engagement ring he gave her a ticket to Chicago he said she was happy there. Tommy went to Blackstones which was a bakery to pick up his sister Norah’s birthday cake and there was Deirdre. Tommy had regretted not asking her out when she had been here the last time. Tommy said I heard you had went back home and now your back. He called Deirdre Cupcake. Then he asked Deirdre out bit she told him she had a boyfriend. Deirdre wasn’t an adventurous soul but she wanted to be. She had always done what was expected of her. Deirdre had never thought of another man , it had always been Deirdre and Rory. But the longer she was away from home the more she questioned that. For days Deirdre and rory played phone and computer tag. Deirdre was having a girls night out with Maggie and Moira who had also invited Norah who was t Tommy’s sister. Tommy showed up at the tavern after he had played hockey . Tommy was a tattoo artist worked in a tattoo parlor and his other love was hockey. Then he asked Deirdre to dance and she did and more than once that night. Then Rory tells Deirdre to date, kiss and dance with other men as he broke up with her over Skype. There is a strong attraction between Tommy and Deirdre. Tommy was the first person to ask Deirdre what she wanted and the first to really see her. Tommy made deirdre feel things Rory never had.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was a fun, easy, romantic read. But it drag for me at times. I did love how Rory really did love Deirdre but wanted to give her the chance to spread her wings without him holding her back. I really liked how deirdre grew in this book. I advise you to read this series in order so you know all the characters. I loved how Tommy cared so much for Deirdre and was so good to her. I would have liked to see some closure with Deirdre’s family. I chuckled at times while reading this book. I liked how Tommy stood up to his family about Deirdre. I really enjoyed the characters and the ins and outs of this book and I recommend
Welcome back to the O’Malley clan. Their tough, loud, protective, well-loved clan. This time it’s Tommy’s turn to take center stage. He the star of all that Deirdre Murphy was hoping to have during her break from her reality back home in Ireland. Chicago offers her a wide variety of doors to choose from and she just wants to experience life just a bit more than what awaits her on the other side. She had been warned to stay away from some more than others and Tommy O’Malley was one of the things she should stay away from. Well, of course Tommy has other ideas about that.
Schroeder provides a good read that give wonderful characters with rich supporting cast members in a low drama light read. There was so much to enjoy the family setting of the Irish Catholics, the close-knit family style community, and the slow romantic aspects of Tommy and Deirdre. Getting connected again with the O’Malley’s made the read connects to the other books of this series and drew them in to this read. This was most certainly a standalone read that engaged you enough to want to take a peek at the other books of the series just to see the family dynamics and how things have grown.
Interesting story. I didn't like the feeling that Deidre was cheating on the boy back home for a good portion of the book, or how she insisted that she needed to return home for no good reason that I could tell. Tommy was totally hunky and wonderful.
Through Your Eyes (For Your Love #3) by Shannyn Schroeder
This is Deirdre Murphy and Tommy O’Malley's story.
Deirdre is a sweet girl from Ireland visiting her cousins in Chicago and working in a small bakery. She meets Tommy who is a tough city boy but very sweet and covered in tattoos. He makes his living inking people. Deirdre is suppose to go back to Ireland and marry her childhood sweetheart and work in her family's bakery. After meeting Tommy they start seeing each other as more than friends. Tommy is so sweet and encourages her to live for herself. Will they take a chance on love or will Deirdre go back to Ireland?
This is a sweet and steamy romance between two people that are opposites. FYI, contains mature content. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Review by Amber for Love Romance Books Blog
When I read the first book in this series, "In Your Arms," I was left wanting to know more about Deidre and Tommy. I was happy to hear that the author wrote their story, and grabbed the opportunity when I was asked by the author for an honest review of her new book.
Deidre is in Chicago for an extended break. She thought she was on the right path in her hometown in Ireland, until her boyfriend bought her a solo plane ticket instead of the expected engagement ring for Christmas. She took the ticket, and is visiting family she loves in Chicago, but doesn't know where that leaves her long term. She has three months to figure it out, and then is heading back to the family pub in Ennis.
Tommy O'Malley is a tattoo artist. He's used to doing his own thing, his own way. Deidre visited Chicago last year, where he saw her from a distance but was too nervous to talk to her. She went back to Ireland before he realized it. When he sees her back in town, he asks her out before he has a chance to get nervous.
This is a sweet story, and a fun continuation from the previous book. I think it would do well as a stand alone book, through. The characters were the same in both books, but the stories were very different. I would give this book 3.5 stars.
Through Your Eyes is book 3 in the For Your Love series but it can be read as a standalone. This is the first book by Shannyn Schroeder that I have read and I am impressed. You get a good look at the dynamics and expectations of a traditional Irish Catholic family which is always interesting to me.
Deirdre has her life already planned out for her but when she goes to visit her cousins in Chicago one last time, she meets Tommy. Tommy is a sweet guy packaged in a hard exterior with lots of tattoos. He is the stuff dreams are made of! The chemistry between these two is intense. They have such different personalities but they fit so perfectly together.
The only thing about not reading the other books in this series first is that I missed a lot of information about Tommy's family but I didn't find it hard to pick up on. I look forward to reading more in this series though.
Through Your Eyes is a sweet romance; and I loved seeing Tommy finally get his HEA. The story could probably be read as a standalone, but be warned--both Tommy and Deirdre have large, extended families who show up here a lot (and they bring friends!) and even having already read the other two books in the For Your Love series I felt like I needed a cheat sheet at times to remember who everyone was and who was with whom. (I haven't read the O'Leary's series yet, though--that might have helped too.) On the other hand, being slightly confused by the family chaos definitely adds a sense of realism to the fiction, so...
In the end, though, the story is about Tommy and Deirdre, and it is an enjoyable one. I had liked Tommy from previous books, and that didn't stop here. Deirdre's a little harder to get to know, because she's a private person who's used to keeping things inside, but she was likable as well. Their story took a direction I really wasn't expecting, even though I absolutely didn't want her to go back to Ireland, and it took me a bit to come to terms with what they did, but in the end it ended up working out well.
So--another fun read from Ms. Schroeder! Hopefully I'll be able to get back to the O'Learys series before she throws more at us from this universe :)
Rating: 4 stars / B+
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Through Your Eyes was a fabulous story about living the life you want to live and finding the person you want to share it with.
Deirdre came back to the US, to stay at her aunt's house and spend time with her cousin's for one main reason - to get away from her family and the plans they've laid out for her. Though they believe she's getting much needed experience that will help her in the path they've set her on, Deirdre is really finding out who she is. Though she left a man behind, their relationship was on rocky ground, and with his lack of interest now that she's across the world from him, Deirdre is confused where things lie.
Tommy had wanted to ask Deirdre out the last time she was in america, when he had seen her working in the local bakery - but he was nervous about it. So when he finds her back in town, he wastes no time to ask her out, discovering that she's not exactly single. But Tommy's willing to just be her friend as he gets to know her, but the chemistry between them makes that more than a little difficult.
I really enjoyed the journey Deirdre took within this book, discovering who she was and the path she wanted to take. Learning that it was okay to want things that her family didn't. And discovering a whole lot about real love and relationships. I loved that she struggled with who she was and what she wanted, that she questioned why the man she thought she'd spend her life with seemed to be pushing her towards another.
Tommy's struggles as he tried to be a good guy, a guy who followed the rules and didn't go after what was another man's, yet couldn't forget the feelings Deirdre stirred in him. I loved his nervousness about being the right kind of guy for her, his desire to see her happy and free to be herself.
The growing bond between Deirdre and Tommy was clear from the start, their chemistry strong, the heat between them ready to combust, but more I enjoyed how they fit together. Even with the push and pull at the start, it was plain to see how much these two had found in one another.
One of my favorite things about this series is the bonds between the characters, From Tommy and his siblings, to Deirdre's cousins, there's such a unique bond between them, one that comes from growing up near each other and knowing each other very well. It's a whole different kind of family - and the feeling just grabs you and pulls you into the story making you feel a part of it all.
What can I say about Tommy and Deirdre? How about this.
I love these two!
Their relationship started out on a shaky ground of possible distance and a possible future marriage. But every couple has some obstacles to overcome. Why should they be any different?
Now the possible fiance back in Ireland would be a big problem if not for the fact that he wants Dierdre to enjoy herself while visiting her cousins in Chicago. Deirdre is all about that when she finds the irresistible Tommy calling on her. He wanted her the first time she visited, but she went back to Ireland before he had a chance to make his move. When she returns to Chicago he refuses to let his second chance go to waste.
The chemistry is undeniable, and although Deirdre is in a relationship, readers will root for them without wanting to close the book on her and her “cheating” ways. Kudos to Schroeder for pulling this off. Nicely done! Tommy admits it’s a dick move to hit on another man’s woman, but he can also tell something just isn’t right with that relationship. However, committed is committed, so he agrees to be friends. He’s never been “just friends” with a woman, especially one he’s attracted to, but Deirdre is worth the effort. Besides, she lives in Ireland and has every intention of returning, so the last thing he needed was to fall for her, and vice versa.
But what do you think happened?
How about you read the book and let us know? I will tell you this:
Watch out for rowdy brothers and feisty, fun good friends. A loyal lovingly-grouchy aunt just might sneak up on you, so watch your back. And please keep your eye out for a smart, yet understated father. And did I warn you about the charming, heart-stealing alpha-male hero, and the sweet, yet sassy heroine and how much fun they are together? What about the funny moments, really great dialogue, steady pace, and smooth flow?
Well, consider yourself duly warned!
I've really been enjoying the For Your Love series. I also loved her prior series that leads up to this one, The O'Leary's. I can still remember seeing the cover of More Than This and thinking about wanting to read the series. Of course I didn't start the O'Leary's series when it came out, no that would have been too easy. But I did start it about a year after and have kept up with it and this new series For Your Love.
One of the big draws for me was that it is based in Chicago. I can remember growing up in Chicago with a big Irish family across the street and big Italian family to the right. I so badly wanted to be from one of those be families.
That is until my baby brother came and my sister and I had to start sharing a room. The love affair with wanting to be part of a big family was over!
Instead I got my fix from the books I read!
Through Your Eyes is the third book in the series. Those who have been reading the series have been waiting for this one. You knew in the prior book that Tommy has a thing for Deirdre aka cupcake, and really want to see how that plays out.
I'm so glad the wait is over. I loved their story. Tommy is just a wonderful hero. You want to have him for yourself. He is so good to Deirdre and cares so much about her. I'm glad that in his story we learn there is more to him then we've seen in the past books.
Now I liked Deirdre, most of the times. There was a few times that she kinda pissed me off. Most people would think that's a negative in a story and sometimes it is, not so much in this case. Because of you being mad at her on occasion it gives more depth to the story.
Instead of a bland romance you have a emotionally charged one.
Not only did I love their romance I also enjoyed all the other characters that make this such a great series. Like his brother Jimmy who is such a dick at times. Love him! Or Mrs. O'Leary that you can never figure out is she's nice or just a bitch.
Like I said, a wonderful series. Both of them are. The only negative is that I wish we had more closure with Deirdre's family. I personally was bugged by that.
Since Through Your Eyes is in the middle of the series and comes from a prior series I would start with the O'Leary's and work my way to the O'Malley's.
How lucky are you!
Now saying that I'm sure everyone will say that this can stand on it's own, and it can, but it will be a even better story when you know each of the other players.
Now all I have to do is wait for the mysterious brother Kevin to have his book!
~4 1/2 Stars~
Through Your Eyes was a sweet and sexy read for me! While this is a romance, it is also a book about figuring how who you really are and not living a life that you think others want you to live.
Deirdre has returned to Chicago from Ireland. She thought she was getting an engagement ring from her long-time boyfriend, but he gave her a ticket back to Chicago to see her American cousins. She isn’t quite sure how to take this, but deep down she knows something isn’t right with Rory. So, when the neighbor, Tommy who lives across the street begins to pay attention to her, she is quite confused. He brings feelings up in her she never had with Rory.
“Something about this man made her not want to be herself, do what she should do.”
Of course, she tells him she has a boyfriend back home, so Tommy decides being friends is good enough for now. What I loved about Tommy, aside from his good looks, was the patience he showed with Deirdre. I also loved that he allowed and encouraged her to begin living her life for herself, not her family back in Ireland. They want her to return to take over their pub, and she wants to bake, and she’s quite talented at it.
It doesn’t take long before things heat up between her and Tommy. For those who hate cheating and love triangles, this isn’t one. While Rory comes across in the beginning as uncaring where she is concerned, he really isn’t. This guy really does love Dierdre. In fact, he has set in motion, the means for her to spread her wings to fly and be the person she was meant to be. He is a secondary character, but he is one I really grew to like. The romance between Tommy and Dierdre is the perfect combination of sweet and sexy. I really wanted these two to have their HEA!
One thing that makes this series so special is you get to catch up with characters in previous books, and I always feel like I’m coming home to family!
***Read and Reviewed for Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews***
"Through Your Eyes" by Shannyn Schroeder is a story that is heartwarming and family filled. Tommy and Deirdre certainly share some sparks but will it lead to a HEA? Tommy is the perfect book boyfriend - I really adored him. He's sweet and kind and really, really hot! :) Deirdre is friendly and nice but, for some reason, I just didn't love her. I didn't hate her, just thought she was just ok. I did enjoy the two together. They complemented each other perfectly. What I did absolutely love about this story (and series), is the big Irish family. Family is such a large part of the characters lives and the plots that it certainly makes the heart smile. The interactions between the family members was lively and a big part of this story. This is a part of a series, and, although this one can be read as a stand alone, it probably would be beneficial to read the previous books as the characters are mentioned throughout and it would help give you a good background to all the characters involved. I have read the previous books and have enjoyed them too. Ms. Schroeder certainly writes stories that takes the reader on journeys of love, family and heartwarming tales. (Received copy for honest review)
i remember really enjoying in your arms, which is an earlier entry into the o'malley siblings series. through your eyes focuses on youngest brother, tommy, tattoo artist and sensitive soul. he's been in love with an o'leary cousin since he first set eyes on her temporarily working at a bakery during a monthlong visit.
the thing is deirdre has a boyfriend. and her family's plan for her has always been for her to marry and work at the family pub. but she loves baking. and she finds herself drawn to tommy. but she's never been one to rock the boat. until her world is shattered and she starts doing things for herself.
deirdre and tommy may rush through getting-to-know-you stuff. and they may hastily make a commitment that most people would try to think twice about. but the thing is, once they both decide to go all in, it doesn't matter. it doesn't make one lick of difference how much that ante gets up by, because if it means they have each other in the end, they are willing to try and do anything. they just have to tell each other that they are playing for keeps, and maybe then they'll have enough faith to know that everything between them is real and special.
Through Your Eyes by Shannyn Schroeder
For Your Love #3
Deirdre Murphy is a good Catholic girl who has followed her parents’ wishes by working in the family pub, dating the man chosen for her and putting herself second to others’ needs. Expecting an engagement ring from her longtime boyfriend and receiving a ticket to the USA instead has her beginning to question just where her relationship with Rory is really headed – she loves him and he says he loves her and it is comfortable because he is her best friend but…is it all that she thinks it should be – perhaps not.
Tommy O’Malley is the youngest son, a pleaser and someday family man though a rabble rousing tattoo artist who plays hockey when not tattooing or spending time with family and friends. He is a fun loving guy and makes no secret of what he likes and knows and how he can please. He has had a thing for Deirdre since first he saw her although she headed home to Ireland before he could ask her out on a date. He did not wait long to ask her out once he found out she was back in town again, though.
Predictably, since Deirdre is a “good girl” and has a boyfriend at home, she turned Rory down…more than once…then Rory gives her the green light to date and kiss and dance with others. Where does that leave her? Conflicted. What does Tommy do? He goes for “friends” status that over time becomes a whole lot more.
This is a delightful story of an alpha male with a warm heart falling for a quiet woman that is trying to learn how to put herself first rather than last. The two are good for one another although there are times I wonder what Tommy sees in Deirdre – perhaps opposites attract. The chemistry is definitely there between Tommy and Deirdre and though both families question some of their decisions it eventually works out for them to end up in a HEA relationship. I love this series and look forward to reading whatever comes next by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books – Zebra Shout for the ARC. This is my honest review.
4 Stars
Through Your Eyes, by Shannyn Schroeder is an interesting contemporary romance, which is focused on family issues and relationship drama.
Deirdre Murphy has family obligations to continue working at her family's pub in rural Ireland, yet she wants to almost anything else. Her parents refuse to believe in her dreams of following her passion and becoming a baker. However, Deirdre visits extended relatives in Chicago, and her childhood boyfriend encourages her to consider other dating options while in the United States.
Her new Chicago neighbor, Tommy O'Malley, welcomes Deirdre to the city and introduces her to so much more. As the story unfolds, Tommy and Deirdre are forced to deal with family complications, geographical struggles, and issues from the past affecting their future relationship. Tommy is an ideal man for Deirdre, especially since he supports her baking efforts and blessed her with the unofficial nickname of Cupcake.
Since it's the third book in For Your Love series, it's recommended to start with the first book, Under Your Skin, yet it's not necessary to read the books in order. However, it's probably would be easier to comprehend the full story with a deeper understanding of all the family members.
Through Your Eyes is geared and recommended towards those who enjoy reading modern romances. However, the first part of the book was slightly disconcerting with the boyfriend in Ireland encouraging Deirdre to date other men while visiting the United States.
Note: I received this book from NetGalley, which is a program designed for bloggers to write book reviews in exchange for books, yet the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Ok, I did not hate book, however I did not love it. I did like Tommy, he was a sweet guy, true he probably should not have gone after someone with a boyfriend, but can you blame him?, she gave him mixed signals. Now I really disliked Deidre, she was full of crap, she claims she loves Rory (her boyfriend) yet, she is accepting dates, and kissing Tommy. I don't care if your so-called boyfriend did not have a problem with it, and don't place blame on him nor on Tommy, if she truly loved Rory, she should not have accepted Tommy. Yet, if she liked Tommy, then break up with Rory. I understood how Jimmy felt, he loves and wants the best for his brothers. I loved Sean, he was funny, and I was happy to read about him and Emma, hope they get married soon. So when Deidre was upset with Tommy because he did not want her to be friends with Rory, I wanted to slap her, how could she get mad at him? She cheated on Rory, with him, of course he would think the same. Anyway, I will still read about the rest of the family, I just wished they got girls worthy of them.
Through Your Eyes by Shannyn Schroeder is the 3rd book in her For Your Love series. This was a very nice sweet romance, and especially good because we get to spend a lot of time with the O’Learys, whom we fell in love with in that series by Schroeder
Deirdre Murphy, our heroine, arrives in Chicago from Ireland to vacation with her cousins (O’Learys). Deirdre received a Christmas present from her boyfriend to return to the states, since she was her happiest when she last visited. Deirdre was somewhat disappointed that she did not get a proposal from her boyfriend, but was happy to return to the states for a month. She is not too happy at home, since she has too much pressure from her family to run their pub, and uses this opportunity to give herself a break.
Tommy O’Malley, our hero, is a tattoo artist, who has many tattoos himself and is a hockey player. Tommy still thinks about the lost opportunity to introduce himself to Deirdre that last time she was here, and is shocked when he visits the bakery, to see her working there. In a short time, Tommy asks Deirdre to go out with him, but she puts him off due to her having a boyfriend in Ireland. But every time she talks to her boyfriend, he keeps telling her to have fun, even to go out with others. Deirdre knows something isn’t right, but she does then accept Tommy’s advances; soon Deirde, who is a virgin, begins to feel a strong attraction to Tommy. He was determined to win her over, and in a short time both of them realize they were falling in love. The problem….she was soon to return to Ireland, as she knew her family depended on her.
Things change once her boyfriend explains why he is pushing her to date others. He is gay, and wants to marry his boyfriend. After getting past the initial shock, Deirdre is happy to explore more of her feelings for Tommy. I thought Tommy and Deirdre were so perfect for each other, and together they will find a way to stay together. Despite their love for each other, both families ( O’Learys- O’Malleys) for the most part are not too happy with their decision. I loved seeing the O’Learys, especially Maggie, and Moira, and though he was tough on Tommy, it was good to see Jimmy, though I wanted to smack him a few times.
What I loved about this story was seeing two people fight for their love, and in Deirdre’s case, possibly hurt her family to allow herself to be happy. There were some ups and downs for them, mostly from the family pressuring them, but love will prevail. In time, it becomes apparent to all how much they truly did love each other. Through Your Eyes was a wonderful romance, a great couple, fantastic family, and some issues that threaten their relationship. Once again, Shannyn Schroeder gives us another sweet story that you should be reading.
This is book 3 of the O'Malley's For Your Love series and it's another winner! I just love these characters and catching up on all the O'Leary's makes it especially fun.
Deirdre Murphy is back in Chicago. Visiting her family the O'Leary's and having a grand time. She misses her family and long time boyfriend back in Ireland but she's enjoying her time before her life plan and what's expected of her kicks in. She's been warned to stay away from those hooligans the O'Malley's but there is just something about bad boy Tommy O'Malley that intrigues her and he's made it very clear about his interest in her.
This is a great read and one you don't want to miss.
Imagine going to Chicago, from Ireland, to stay with an Aunt and visit tons of cousins. And then the neighbor across the street starts to woo you, but your cousins have known him forever and unknowingly have planted the seed that he's a bad choice. That's life for Deirdre Murphy, cousin to the O'Leary clan, sent back to Chicago by her boyfriend so she can be independent and find herself. Being trapped into working at the family pub and doing what is expected of her has dampened her spirits. Her return to Chicago is her path to finding herself and doing what she wants without the familial strings. But Tommy O'Malley, tattoo artist and trouble maker, has taken to Deirdre and her baking skills. He may start off as the bad influence of the group but the two of them have a deep connection, and it doesn't involve the bedroom. Maybe in the beginning Tommy wanted only one thing, knowing her visit was temporary, but his feelings changed quickly. These two families have opposite dynamics but somehow they have meshed beautifully to make more than one couple. The O'Leary clan has their own series and this one is for the O'Malley clan, but there has been some mingling. If you liked reading about Deirdre and Tommy, and enjoyed meeting the other couples, grab any of Schroeder's books and enjoy, all stand alone stories but certainly have recurring characters. My review was written voluntarily after reading an advanced copy from Netgalley.